Here's Where to View Eagles Around the Hudson Valley

The region is a hotbed for the mighty eagle. Celebrate them this month with Teatown, or visit one of their favorite spots.

by jane anderson

Published: 01/17/2019

The bald eagle’s survival was shaky in New York by the 1960s, but diligence brought their numbers back up.

Photo by Elissa Schilmeister, Teatown Reservation

A few thousand people will descend upon Croton Point Park this month for Teatown Reservation’s annual Eaglefest, a celebration of everything related to the white-headed, white-tailed bird.

Fifty years ago, this majestic creature was on the brink of disappearing in New York. Once a year-round home to more than 70 nesting pairs, and a winter home for hundreds more, the state hosted just one nest and a few dozen winter visitors by 1960. Today — thanks to The Bald Eagle Restoration Project, which brought in young bald eagles over the course of 12 years starting in 1976 — more than 170 pairs of eagles call New York their permanent home, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Eagles prefer to live where they can fish, like at the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area. Photo Kevin Kreischer.

Where to View Eagles

Along the Hudson River

Verplanck waterfront

George’s Island Park parking area, Montrose

Riverfront Park, Peekskill

Charles Point/China Pier, Peekskill

Constitution Island from North Dock, West Point

Route 6/202 overlook above Iona Island

Norrie Point State Park, Hyde Park

Metro-North and Amtrak commuters have an excellent vantage point from the river side of any train between Croton-on-Hudson and Albany.

Away from the River:

Eagles enjoy wintering around reservoirs and dams where the turbines’ rotation provides fish that’s already, well, semi-filleted. The Croton Dam, for example, is a great place to see them. The Rio Dam Reservoir and Mongaup Falls Reservoir in Sullivan County each have eagle-viewing blinds so visitors can ogle eagles without startling them. Another good spot in Sullivan County is the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area, in Mamakating.

The Hudson Valley, and particularly the Hudson River, is full of eagle activity. Teatown’s Assistant Director of Environmental Stewardship, Danielle Begley-Miller, Ph.D., notes that the River and its banks provide a wealth of food and nesting opportunities that allow the American bald eagle to thrive. “What makes the river a true home to its resident eagles are the dedicated communities that have protected the river and its watershed from polluters and developers since the 1960s,” she adds.

Eagle Etiquette

• Remain in or immediately next to your vehicle, and don’t approach eagles closer than a quarter mile. Avoid roosting areas.

• Use binoculars or spotting scopes instead of trying to get a little closer.

• Don’t do anything to try to make the bird fly.

• Respect private property and avoid restricted areas.

Source: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Teatown’s Eaglefest celebrates our national raptor with walks, talks, demonstrations, and scopes set up at viewing posts so visitors can peek at local -nesters. This year's Eaglefest takes place on Saturday, February 9, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Parking is at Croton Point Park, and a free shuttle bus is available at Croton-Harmon’s Metro-North Station for overflow and for those coming by train. The Eagle Train from Grand Central Terminal will be hosted by a naturalist explaining eagle facts along the way.